Key tourism figures are going to tour the county in an electric car to promote Cumbria’s attractions.

This is ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27, and World EV (electric vehicle) Day on September 9.

Cumbria Tourism will travel the length and breadth of Cumbria in an electric car donated by Lloyd Motor Group, talking to a wide range of tourism businesses about their current concerns, challenges, and opportunities.

Along the way, Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism’s managing director, will be joined by Cumbria Tourism’s chair Dan Visser and president Jim Walker to speak to businesses on their home turf.

As well as getting to the heart of issues like spiralling costs, recruitment challenges and staff housing, it’s also part of wider efforts to signpost leaner, greener ways of living and working.

The tour in the electric BMW iX got underway with an official key handover at Lloyd South Lakes BWM in Lindale on September 6.

Gill said: “I always enjoy getting out meeting businesses face-to-face, whether they are long-standing tourism operators or newer emerging companies wanting to forge new connections.

“Right now, there is deep-seated concern about skyrocketing costs and it is vital we get detailed feedback about what’s happening on the ground, in order to make the strongest possible case for support from high-level decision makers – not least to the new Prime Minister.

“Sustainable tourism is also an increasingly important focus for us and supporting our members to work in the most sustainable way they can is a key part of this.

“For instance, this latest initiative builds on a recent joint project between Cumbria Tourism and our Patrons Electricity North West to support small tourism operators wanting to provide electric vehicle charging for their visitors.

“A special thanks goes out to the Lloyd Motor Group, who have made this important county-wide tour possible.”

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